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Pouring the Upper-Story Walls

Bob talks with Todd LaBarge of LaBarge Engineering, the contractor on the project, about the concrete pour. The process is a very fast-moving one, with the first-floor walls put up in two days plus one day for staging. With just two concrete pours, the footing, garage, first-floor slab, and walls have all been put in place. Around 70 yards of concrete have already been used. All the form work is in place for the upper levels of the addition, including the gable end. The ReddiForm blocks use a tooth system which allows the blocks to lock together. When the concrete is poured into the foam block, it pinches the joint together, making the form more stable. Using no-tie rebar chairs, the rebar is dropped through the center of the circle ties and through the foam cells. As the concrete is poured, pieces of rebar are inserted as needed. The higher end of the gable is capped off so the concrete will not flow out of the structure during the pour. When creating the peaked gable end, the foam blocks are tied together with pieces of wire while the glue sets. The forms can be adapted to fit any shape needed. A pumper truck is called in to pour the concrete. The operator of the truck is on the deck, controlling the flow of concrete via remote control. More information